These short but safe time limits will help keep refrigerated foods from spoiling or becoming unsafe to eat. Because freezing keeps food safe indefinitely, recommended storage times are for quality only.N/A – not advisable

For more information and other Food Handling and Preparation,  see our other sample articles plus THE OTHER  3  of this 4 part series at www.RVboomer.com  Enjoy!

Coming soon!  Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com  Launching in Jan 08.

Travel Across Country In Your RV « RVboomer.com blog

Insuring A Safe Ride: RV Insurance « RVboomer.com blog

Insuring your RV is an expensive but important step and legally necessary. If rough times ever hit, the insurance you buy will save you a lot of money and heartache. However, buying RV insurance comes with its own unique set of problems.

RV insurance is usually far more difficult to draw up than car insurance and even standard home insurance. There are so many clauses and stipulations that if you are not careful, you will end up with a policy that will not cover anything that applies to you or your RV.

Normal RV insurance does not even cover Full timers, a sad fact that many RVers do not know. Insurance companies are often not aware of the specialized needs of the full timers and will not draft any insurance documents, leaving it all up to you.

Save Yourself Thousands!

Discuss your needs with your insurance agent to make sure all points are covered. Be mindful of where and what the policy covers. The more detailed and exact the policy is, the better.

Replacement coverage for your RV is perhaps among the best. It is the most expensive, but stipulates that in the event of total loss, you will have a replacement RV free of charge. This is best used for the deluxe RV models. There are also plans that just cover the cost of the RV and put it towards a new one. These will no doubt be cheaper than the replacement coverage.

The more features and accessories that an RV has, the more coverage it requires to ensure that all of those items are covered in case of the worst. Personal effect coverage is ideal in such cases and will cover clothing, electronics and whatever else you bought for the RV. This is a good idea because until you lose it, you probably do not realize how much money you have put into the RV. Awnings, kitchen gadgets, even bathroom accessories will be very expensive to replace if they get damaged.

Full timer insurance is specially geared for those that make RVs their only home. Normal insurance will not cover the special circumstances of full timers, and your policies can even become void if the insurance company discovers you are living full time in the RV. As mentioned earlier, it may be up to the RV owner to draft a policy concerning this area, so make sure you discuss all options.

As tricky and difficult as insurance policies are, when you need it you will be thankful you went through the trouble. Just do research, get quotes, and above all, plan ahead.

Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com

Freedom to Roam

Travel Across Country In Your RV

It is just about the best vacation imaginable: traveling across country in a luxury RV. No matter the age of the RVer or how many are coming along, there is much to take into consideration. Planning and preparation are essential to surviving the expedition with sanity intact and smiles on faces.

Before leaving the house and hitting the road, it is important to plan. Such a seemingly small task may make or break the entire trip. Sit down with a notebook and atlas and plot out the course you want to take. Listening to input from family members will provide alternative ideas and could even redirect the first course to something new and exciting. Remember, not everyone wants to see the World’s Largest Ball of Twine.

Decide how many days you want to spend at each stop. You are going to drive long distances and it is important not to overdo it. Resting and relaxing is not a waste of time, but an opportunity to immerse in local customs and spend more time with the family. It is also a great idea to leave room in the plan to be flexible in case emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances arise. With course and agenda in hand, it is time to pack.

There is limited room in the RV and not everything you want to bring will fit. It is important to pack only the essentials. Make sure you bring at least five changes of clothing. All the outfits should be durable. You can stop at town laundry-mats for washing and drying when you get low on clothing. Each person should have at least two towels, and each bed should have two sets of sheets.

Unless you can afford to eat out for every meal every day that you are on the road, packing food will be a huge part of your pre-trip chores. Keep in mind that this is an RV and not your actual home when choosing food. Food that will not rot, spoil or otherwise go bad is important. Also, food that can be stored easily and compactly, like cereals, powered drinks and canned goods are essential. You do not have to pack for the entire trip as you leave, but having a week’s supply of meals and snacks is advisable.

There will be grocery stores along the way, but having a good amount of food will cut down on time wasted on something other than vacationing.(see other related articles on food handling and safety, etc.)

First-aid kits, flashlights, toiletry items, and even cell phones are vital and will need to be packed. Other than that, just pack what you think you will need or want, but keep it simple and limited to a few items. Being prepared is key for such a trip.

After all of that planning and packing, make sure you have a fun time. You will be creating memories that will last a lifetime and may even kindle an intense love of RVing. Make sure it’s a great experience.

 RVboomer.com
Let the Good Times Roll….

Expand your RV knowledge and experience. . . Starting Today!

Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com

Basic Repair Knowledge

It is only a matter of time before something in the RV stops working. The sooner you accept this, the sooner you can get to fixing it. With so many gadgets and toys, any number of things will go wrong. The fridge may stop running, the air conditioner fan may not run, or some of the electric systems could go on the fritz, so it pays to have a basic knowledge of repairs.

When traveling, make sure you not only have the capability to change tires, but also the same tools you would keep at home.

Screws, nuts, bolts, screwdrivers and any other tools that could ever possibly be needed are essential.

Keep in mind that the RV requires far more work than a regular car or even a house. Jacks and levels for setting up, and ladders to help get to out of the way places are required. A special kit to repair awnings that may become damaged is likewise a must. Since RVs use propane, it is wise to know how to safely repair leaks and other issues that might arise with tanks.

More specific problems that may arise with something like the air conditioner can be a source of aggravation; for instance, if the fan has stopped working. With quick research, this problem is easily fixed and you can avoid the overpriced mechanics. Two possible solutions for a fan that does not run can be a dried out motor bearing which is easily fixed by a few drops of oil, or it could be a bad capacitor, which is inexpensive and relatively easy to replace.

Even electric issues can be tackled by the novice repairman. Most systems such as lights, TVs, and other appliances are easily repaired. Again, just do some reading and do not be afraid to try it for yourself.

The point of having the ability to repair minor problems within your RV is to avoid having to visit pricy garages and mechanics at every hiccup. This will even bring you closer to your RV and give you a real sense of ownership.

There are plenty of materials that can help guide you in your repairs. Online manuals, owner’s manuals and even the fellow RVer can teach you quite a lot. When following any instructions, make sure you adhere to the directions to avoid safety hazards. Wear any gear such as safety goggles or gloves that are recommended. Above all, do not be scared to try.

Although it is advisable to leave the major repair work, such as engine and major electric problems, to the professional, smaller problems can easily be repaired by the owner who’s willing to put forth a little effort.

 RVboomer.com
Let the Good Times Roll….

Expand your RV knowledge and experience. . . Starting Today!

Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com

After much consideration and discussion, you are finally ready to join the ranks of the RV owners. It takes a special type of person to make such a large commitment and it is one that should not be taken lightly.

There are many things to consider before you actually purchase your RV. Given the price of such an expense, taking your time should not matter much if it ends up in you getting exactly what you crave. A good way to figure out what you need from RVs is renting one and taking it on a small trip. This way, you can get the feel for driving such a beast and know what to expect when navigating roadways.

Becoming comfortable with operating RVs is an awkward process where practice makes perfect. Through renting, you can come up with a list of accessories that you want onboard so you are prepared to meet a salesperson at the RV lot when the time comes.

Further research using online sources of advice from seasoned RVers can be vital. Make sure you know exactly what kind of model and class RV will suit your needs. Each RV has its own specialties and quirks. When you do go out to buy that RV, it may be prudent to shop around and look for deals.

Do not be afraid to haggle. While you can buy online, many would advise against it-do so with caution. (See article -”Buying an RV Online”) You will need to inspect the RV before putting any money on the table.

Before you hit the road in your newly acquired RV, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the RV culture, including terminology and etiquette. You will better understand fellow RVers if you can communicate with them using terms they are used to.

As far as etiquette goes, every time you park in a campground you are joining a neighborhood and, as such, it is expected of you to follow the rules and be kind to your neighbors. RVers are very friendly people, and so should you be.

Perhaps the largest obstacle for first timers is getting used to the new lifestyle. Driving the rig could be difficult until you become used to it. RVs behave differently on the road than other vehicles. Keep that in mind as you drive.

Even though buying and owning an RV is intimidating for the first timer, it is a wonderful chance to experience life that will not be regretted if you approach it wisely.

RVboomer.com
Let the Good Times Roll….

Expand your RV knowledge and experience. . . Starting Today!

Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com

If the commitment of buying an RV is too much or just too overwhelming, there are many places that will rent RVs to explorers. Renting provides many benefits to vacationers and possible future RV owners.

Those looking to buy an RV will benefit from renting to help them adjust and get a good idea of what the RV lifestyle really entails. With this option, any grandiose but wrong notions will be replaced by a more realistic view. Renting as a form of a test drive is a great idea.

You Decide Which is Best!

You can pack up the family and belongings and drive anywhere you like. At the end, you will either love or hate RVs; most likely you will love it.

By renting the RV, you can narrow down what you need to have onboard and what you can live without. That way, when you do decide to make a purchase, you have a firm idea of what features and accessories are a must have.

Renting RVs is a way of taking a vacation without worrying about overpriced tickets, hotels, and spending too much money on restaurants. Everything you need is in the RV: bed, bathroom and kitchen.

Many opt for renting if they plan on using the RV just one time, either for a month-long vacation or a small weekend away. However, even for long-term ventures like seeing the country, renting is a good option.

Traveling to another state by plane presents many with the need to rent a vehicle; why not an RV? There will be no need to get a hotel room if you rent an RV and you can still get around easily. Weekend campers find that by renting, they can have luxury while seeing the wild outdoors.

If your need is short term, renting will enable you to avoid buying insurance, repairing anything that may go wrong, and keeping up the RV.

Renting has limitless benefits over buying depending upon your need and situation. It may not be a great idea to become a full timer RVer if you rent, but if you just plan to go out for a handful of months or if you are just vacationing, then there is no need to invest in a rig of your own.

There may be one slight problem in renting an RV no matter the reason, and that problem is the possibility of falling in love with the RV lifestyle. If you dare to face that inevitability, however, then renting is a great idea.

 RVboomer.com
Let the Good Times Roll….

Expand your RV knowledge and experience. . . Starting Today!

Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com

You have saved and planned and dreamt and desired and now, finally, you have your RV. That big, beautiful piece of gleaming metal that will come to represent freedom and adventure is yours to modify and make your own. There is a staggering array of special features that can be added to your new home, some small and barely noticeable, others large and extremely noticeable. The decision is yours, however, and whatever you choose, special features will personalize your RV while adding a few final touches to your new home.

Upgrading any feature that you already have purchased is, of course, a good idea. Getting that better plumbing system, a nice air

conditioner and even a navigation system is one way to go. If you desire something a bit more extravagant that may help the RV’s living area feel more like home, there are options for Entertainment Centers.

Depending on size and model the entertainment center could feature up to a 42″ inch television with surround sound and satellite options. No need to miss any shows while on the road when you can take that television right along. The entertainment center is also a great way to keep those kids entertained on the longer trips.

After a long day of driving it would be nice to curl up in a large bed and slowly drift asleep. Most RVs off the option for a queen size bed of varying quality. This option may be cheaper than going out independently to purchase a new bed. The bedroom can also sport features like a ceiling fan, TV and Satellite hookup. Too bad you have to get out of the room in order to drive to your next destination.

RVs put anew spin on meals to go. Many manufacturers offer great features for the kitchen, including an oven, microwaves, and sophisticated types of refrigerators.  You will not be without with a full kitchen at your fingertips and surely your family will thank you for those home cooked meals while away from home.

The pilot will not have to be without. GPS trackers, CBs and leather seats can cushion the drivers as he navigates the nation’s highways; even monitors that help with backing up and turns are available to make sure the driver is as safe as possible.

There are countless ways to customize your RV with special features. Discuss any options with your dealer. Keep in mind that if you plan to spend the majority of your time in the RV you will want it to have as many creature comforts as possible.

RVboomer.com
Let the Good Times Roll….

Expand your RV knowledge and experience. . . Starting Today!

Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com

Racing and RVing – a winning combination!

Monday, 15 October 2007

MARTINSVILLE, VA (October 15, 2007) – David and Kathy Moore are like any proud homeowners, surveying their neighborhood, preparing for an evening meal with neighbors as the sun begins to slip behind the Blue Ridge Mountains.Except this isn’t any neighborhood and their home isn’t your average brick and mortar home.The Moores were part of over 150 campers who rolled into Martinsville Speedway’s campground when it opened early Saturday morning. That figure more than doubled on Sunday and will grow all week leading up to Sunday’s SUBWAY 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race at the historic track. While the Moores were part of the large influx on Saturday, they were also part of a smaller group that gathers together twice a year in the Martinsville Speedway campground. By next Sunday there will be 21 people and seven campers (trailers) in this group,” said David Moore. The group sets up on the hillside overlooking the backstretch, cobbling their campers together to form a close neighborhood, sort of like a modern day circling of wagons. On Saturday the Moores, who hail from Henderson, N.C., were set up on the hillside, along with couples from Roanoke, Raleigh and Franklinton, N.C. They were expecting a couple from West Virginia early Sunday and another couple from Mississippi on Wednesday. The group has grown over the years and they now visit more than just the two yearly trips to Martinsville. Last year they all gathered at Kerr Lake for Kathy’s 50th birthday party. Even the couple from Mississippi flew up for the occasion. That was special,” Kathy said of her birthday gathering. And it all was because of us meeting here in the campground. Traditions have grown out of the bi-annual Martinsville meetings. Now the group kicks off the racing season with a huge Daytona 500 party at the Moore’s house in Henderson. Everyone tows their campers to the Moores and set up in the back yard for a long weekend. The Moores were particularly touched by their Martinsville experience a year ago. Kathy’s father passed away a week before they were to come to Martinsville. They made the trip, but David was late arriving with their camper and Kathy didn’t get to town until midweek. It still makes me tear up a little bit talking about it … about how everyone treated us here,” said David. “I came (to the campground) really late at night and the campground workers stopped me and wanted to know how I was and how Kathy was. Everyone from the track was so respectful to us and our group was so respectful and cared so much. Take any race track in the world and last year, and they wouldn’t have made us feel as good as they did here. You don’t get that kindness at most places,” said Kathy. “That’s why we look forward to coming here so much. It’s like home.” And it’s not really about the race,” added David.“It’s about friends.” Tickets remain for both the SUBWAY 500 on Sunday, October 21, and the Kroger 200 NASACAR Craftsman Truck Series race, on Saturday, October 20, and can be purchased by calling 1.877.RACE.TIX. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.racetickets.com Ticket prices for the SUBWAY 500 range from $42 to $77. Tickets for the Kroger 200 are $37 in advance and $42 at the gate. Kroger 200 tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $5. The SUBWAY 500 weekend kicks off on October 19 with Carilion Pole Day, featuring times trials and practice for the SUBWAY 500. The Kroger 200 is scheduled for October 20 and the SUBWAY 500 on October 21. This is an example of Race info @ RVboomer.com

Join our interactive community of RV enthusiasts who are traveling, experiencing and forming relationships that last a lifetime.

Hundreds of how-to articles and downloadable forms, checklists, manuals and other templates plus online seminars, audio programs, plan resources and more. Visit www.RVboomer.com